Photo: Tia & Claire Studio
The holiday season has brought lots of good luck and good fortune to Angela, 28, and Kevin, 29, over the years. Though the pair met when they were in high school, it wasn't until a New Year's Eve party in 2008 that they reconnected and their romance was kindled. Three years later, on Christmas morning in 2011, Kevin hid Angela's engagement ring in her stocking. As she pulled out the box, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
A few days shy of a year later, the couple wed at St. Ignatius Church, a location full of significance. The bride and groom both went to St. Ignatius College Prep, as did their fathers. During the planning process, they were looking at Angela's grandfather's football program from his days at the University of San Francisco, which St. Ignatius Church is affiliated with, in the 1930's. Seated directly in front of him in the team photo was Kevin's grandfather! There was no question that the church was the perfect place for the couple to tie the knot.
On December 22, 2012, Angela and Kevin wed in a wintry-themed wedding full of holiday joy. They ended 2012–and began their lives together–with a black-tie affair inspired by Frank Sinatra and a love of snow.
Photo: Tia & Claire Studio
"My sister was married at the same time of year, but on a vineyard in wine country," says Angela. "We chose a more formal holiday celebration so that each of our weddings would be different and special."
Angela wore a two-piece gown by Oscar de la Renta. The duchess satin princess skirt had a retro, 40s feel. The lace bustier was studded with taffeta flowers and crystals. To fight the chill, she topped her gown with a faux-fur wrap.
The bride carried a soft bouquet of white peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, sweet peas, and lisianthus. The bow echoed the detail on the back of her dress.
Kevin and Angela got lucky when it came to their ceremony décor. "The church was already decorated for Christmas, so we didn't have to do anything! The trees, lights, pinecones, and ribbons were breathtaking," Angela says.
They had a traditional Catholic ceremony, including two cantors. Says Angela, "You could hear a pin drop when they sang 'The Prayer'."
Escort cards were displayed on gray and silver ribbons hung from birch branches. The same wintry theme was carried though to the reception, where votive candles hung from silver branches nestled in piles of snow.
White and soft green floral arrangements of roses, hydrangeas, and dusty miller topped the tables. Angela and Kevin's chairs were marked with wooden Mr. and Mrs. signs.
Layer upon layer of sparkle, textured chargers, sequined tablecloths, and crisp gray and white hues transformed the tables into snow-covered vignettes. Angela set favors for her guests–winter-themed candles tied with pewter ribbon to look like Christmas presents–at each place.
Photo: Tia & Claire Studio
The five-tiered cake was frosted with buttercream. Two tiers were piped with a lace pattern to match Angela's dress.
"Make sure you take a moment together, just the two of you, to absorb it all in," says Angela. "The day goes by so fast." The couple has yet to take their honeymoon, but they're looking forward to a trip to Europe in 2014.
Ceremony Venue: St. Ignatius Church, San Francisco || Reception Venue: The Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center || Day-Of Coordinator: Celia Barbaccia || Bride's Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta, from Marina Morrison || Veil: Peter Langner, from Marina Morrison || Shoes: Kate Spade || Hair: Antonio Venegas || Makeup: Raina Rombeiro || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Siri || Groom and Groomsmen's Suits: Jos. A. Bank || Wedding Bands: Giraux || Florist: Michael Daigian Design || Invitations & Paper Goods: Hyegraph || Music: The Fundamentals || Catering: Christopher's Fine Catering || Cake: Branching Out Cakes || Rentals, Lighting, & Linens: Hartmann Studios, Got Light, La Tavola || Videography: Thomas Hughes Films || Photography: Tia & Claire Studio
—Jaimie Schoen
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